Widow alleges wrongful death in husband’s fatal motorcycle collision

A St. Clair County woman is suing a motorist and his employer following a roadway accident that killed her husband.

Catrina Smith filed a lawsuit individually and as estate administrator for George Smith on July 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Charter Communications of Springfield and Brent Doty of Waterloo, alleging wrongful death in the fatal collision.

According to the filing, on June 4, Doty was operating a motor vehicle belonging to Charter in his scope of employment driving northbound on Water Street in St. Clair County. The suit says Smith was traveling southbound on his motorcycle on Water Street when Doty failed to yield the right of way, began a left-hand turn onto Levine, and collided forcefully with Smith’s bike.

Smith was hospitalized, treated and then airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital, where he died June 8 leaving his wife and three sons, the suit states. The complaint says Doty received citations for failure to yield and signal.

The lawsuit alleges the defendant was negligent in failing to keep a careful lookout, control his vehicle, signal, and yield the right of way. The plaintiff also faults Charter, alleging failure to properly hire, train and supervise employees. She also alleges family expenses.

Catrina Smith seeks damages, attorney fees and costs. She is represented by attorneys Brent Sumner and Andrew Martin of The Sumner Law Group in St. Louis.